Proud to serve
I've been a licensed Amateur Radio operator since 1994, (Call sign N2IJ). There are over 700,000 of us in the U.S. and most people are not aware of the contibutions we have made over the past several decades. It's great to see some recognition being realized, and by none other than "W" himself.

White House Greets Amateur Radio Operators

President George Bush has sent his greetings to all Amateur Radio operators, acknowledging their role in emergency communications and in generating international good will. The White House letter comes as hams in the US mark Amateur Radio Week June 16-23 and prepare to participate this weekend in ARRL Field Day--an emergency preparedness exercise.

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"I salute amateur radio operators for your work on behalf of public safety officials," the President said in a letter dated June 18. "I also commend your interest in communicating with persons in other parts of the world and learning about other cultures and countries. Your involvement builds understanding and goodwill around the globe."

The President's letter acknowledged ham radio's "important role in emergency communications, assisting law enforcement personnel and other emergency services as they carry out their responsibilities."

ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, expressed his delight at the presidential communication. "I'm extremely pleased that the president has decided to recognize the accomplishments of Amateur Radio operators throughout America," he said today. "Amateur Radio is a real asset to America, and even more so after September 11. Amateur Radio has always played a big role in disasters and emergencies, and I'm very proud of it."

President Bush said First Lady Laura Bush "joins me in sending our best wishes."

Governors in several states have issued proclamations designating Amateur Radio Week or Amateur Radio Month.

Want to learn more about Amateur Radio, it's many technical aspects and how to get licensed by the FCC? Visit The national Association For Amateur Radio

Oops, Sorry
Ray Krone spent the last ten years in prison. Two of those years were spent on death row. But recently, DNA testing proved that the crime for which he was convicted was actually committed by another man. So Ray Krone got an apology and fifty bucks.

Credit to David Horsey,

Father's day message

Thanks, to all who have sent me the special happy father’s day messages, (especially you J). Those that know me, realize that I take my parenting duties very seriously and I’m very passionate about what I do. I strongly believe that my success as a parent has not come from doing extraordinary things but rather in doing the little things extraordinarily well.

To my dad, you've done a great job over the years, words alone are not enough to express my deep appreciation.

And, to my three kids, what matters most to me is the fact that you are in my life and that I have the tremendous opportunity and responsibility to share with you all that I am.

One

Gore searched twice during Wisconsin trip

Traveling to Wisconsin, the former vice president was pulled aside for random security screening at Reagan National Airport before boarding the 7:15 p.m. flight to Milwaukee on Friday.

Passengers sharing Flight 406 were startled to hear Gore being told, "Sorry, sir, you have to go through extra screening," and to witness security personnel rifling through his briefcase and suitcase, a witness said.

An England fan dressed as Spider-Man has climbed Blackpool Tower to pay his tribute to the team's success in the World Cup.

Two sisters shatter tennis' lingering color barrier

While it's not the country-club sport it used to be, tennis is still one of the most elitist professional sports. It is played largely in gated venues before mostly Caucasian audiences, and the players have long been mostly white people of European descent. Even professional golf has more racial, ethnic and geographic diversity.

Serena and Venus Williams, who have won six of the past 11 majors, have become a dominant force in the sport. Although their parents have charged that tennis still has remnants of its racist past, the Williams sisters are changing the sport with their aggressive play, colorful dress, flamboyant hairstyles and the loud grunts, groans and shrieks they cut loose when the going gets tough on the tennis court.

The Whole Truth?
A UMass researcher has found that most people pretty much lie all the time. His study indicated that the average person lies at least once during a ten minute conversation.

Believe and Achieve
When a son graduates from MIT, it is always a proud occasion. But it is even more incredible when the parents paid for his tuition by collecting cans. Excuse me while I take some notes.

Local Boy Makes Bad
He was born Jose Padilla in Brooklyn. Later he was a member of a Latino gang in Chicago and seemed to be building up quite a rap sheet. How did this guy become Abdullah Al Muhajir, al Qaeda operative and dirty bomb plotter?

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We all have heard about Road Rage but is Is Mall Rage next?

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